Location of Canary Cages
Should NOT Be Overlooked.

Location of canary cages can be as important as the food canaries eat and the air they breath.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Some of the main things to consider when choosing a location for your canary bird's cage are...

• Direct Sunlight
• Cool Drafts
• Toxic Fumes
• Dangerous Pets
• Active Children
• Pets and Predators

Cages can be placed on a piece of furniture like a table or book case or can be used with a stand. However, try to place the cage at eye level or higher so humans won't always be towering over the little guy.

Beware of windows, kitchens, patios, and doors.

 
Some Recommended Canary Cages...

SUNLIGHT AND CANARY CAGES LOCATION

A little direct sunlight is OK and a good part of canary care. It's a good source of Vitamin D production and your canary will enjoy it.

But if your cage is next to a window, watch closely for any sign of overheating or symptoms of illness.

If your canary starts sitting still with its mouth open like a panting dog or if he starts holding his wings out from his body you know its too hot.

Over heating may cause your canary to begin his molt early. And that means he'll stop singing for a while.

A little sunlight every day is good for bone density, hormone production, better mood, and overall good health.

Unfortunately, it's not always possible to provide pure sunlight for our birds.  Sunlight filtered through a glass window does not provide the same effect. And opening the window or putting the cage outside offers up its own problems.

Using a full spectrum light is a good idea. It's not the same as REAL sunlight but it's pretty close.

DRAFTS

Make sure there are no drafts (or "droughts" if you prefer) in the vicinity of cage. A canary bird can stand cold temperatures but absolutely positively cannot survive a cool draft.

TOXIC POISONING

Canaries are sensitive to fouled air and chemicals.

Smoke from a hot non-stick frying pan can kill your canary. Also be careful with...

• bug sprays
• scented candles
• smoke
• deodorizers
• strong smelling cleaning solutions like oven cleaners and ammonia.

For these reasons, cages should not be placed in the kitchen.

You may have to move your bird and canary cage to another room or outside while cooking or using strong cleaning solutions.

If you're a smoker, QUIT! Or at least try and locate the cage in an area that gets little to no smoke.

I highly recommend a high quality air purifier to be placed near your birds cage.

PETS AND CANARY CAGE LOCATION

If you have dogs or cats or, heaven forbid a ferret--Ferrets love to eat tiny tender canary nuggets and they WILL find a way to get inside the cage--please place your canary's cage in a safe place and keep it high.

Also...

Most people don't think there little pooch would ever try to get a caged canary but those hunting instincts can kick in and look out!

So place canary cages out of reach and your canary will live a long happy life and sing its little heart out for you.

CHILDREN AND CANARIES

Be aware of the dreaded human child as well. Your new feathered family member will fascinate your young children. In an attempt to be friendly with your canary a child may try to poke at it with something.

Instruct children to respect your bird.

CANARY BIRDS OUTSIDE

Canary cages--to our canary's delight--can be placed outside on occasion an an important part of canary care. The fresh air will do him good. Just be aware of cats, wild birds, or other predators in the area.

And when I say "predators", I also mean...mosquitoes! Mosquitos carry and spread Canary Pox. A fatal disease among canaries. A mosquito bite can kill your canary.

Also, beware of the heat from the sun.  Direct sun--even on cool days--can quickly overheat your canary.  A cloth should be placed over part of canary cages when outside so he can get in the shade if he wants.

Those that keep their canaries outside for long periods of time use a screen on their canary cages that prevents insects form entering. Large aviaries will keep finches in the cages with their canaries for added insurance--Finches eat mosquitoes.

Your safest bet is to just leave your bird's cage indoors and use a UV lamp to simulate sunlight.

DAYLIGHT HOURS

Your canary's hormones are regulated by light. 

Canary cages should be covered with a dark cloth at sundown and uncovered at sunrise to make sure your canary is getting the correct number of daylight hours throughout the year.

Very long days with lots of light could trigger an early molt and that means no singing, and possibly poor health.

Make sure your canary has good and comfortable cage furnishings.  He doesn't want a bean bag and a color TV but there are some things he DOES want...Click here for information on cage furnishings.